Ducks Prospect Roger McQueen Set for NHL Debut Amidst Injury Concerns

The Anaheim Ducks are calling up their top prospect, forward Roger McQueen, to make his NHL debut against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night. The move comes as the team places forward Ryan Poehling on injured reserve with an MCL sprain, expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks.

McQueen, a 6-foot-6, 206-pound forward acquired via the AHL San Diego, is expected to practice on the Ducks' third line, skating between Frank Vatrano and A.J. Greer. The 19-year-old was selected by the Ducks with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

"It's a great day, so very excited," McQueen said. "Kind of waited for this moment for a while, so super excited. Obviously, just trying to get the win and just enjoy it. You only get this once, so it's one of those things you want to enjoy."

The Ducks' roster is also managing another injury, with Cutter Gauthier listed as day-to-day due to an upper-body injury. McQueen's emergence onto the active roster follows last year's first-round pick, Nikita Klepov, who was on the team's opening night roster, continuing a trend of youth integration for the Ducks.

McQueen, known for his two-way play and physical presence, registered 11 goals, 16 assists, and 27 points in 36 games for Providence College last season. This season in the AHL, he has recorded three points in seven games.

His draft selection in 2025 was marked by a unique entrance into the hockey world; instead of attending a traditional media availability, McQueen boarded a helicopter to Anaheim and visited Disneyland, where he took photos with the character Lightning McQueen. Roger McQueen will wear No. 95, the same number as his animated counterpart.

The Ducks have had a strong start to their season, currently holding fourth place in the Western Conference with a 4-1 record.